CHRISTmas Checklist: 10 Things to do Before December 1st

CHRISTmas is the best, isn’t it? It’s that time of year we’re reminded what’s truly important – what truly matters. It’s a season of giving, hope, joy and peace, and it’s only made possible by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I absolutely love Christmas and everything it represents. However, this time of year, can also be stressful, if we don’t take the time to plan and prepare. I like what Proverbs 15:19 says. “The way of a slothful man is as an hedge of thorns; but the way of the righteous is made plain.” – KJV

Christmas doesn’t have to be full of anxiety and stress. I’ve put together a list of 10 things you should complete before December 1st. That’s not to say you should wait until November 30th to get them done though. Many of these can be done months in advance, and by completing these before December, you can have a much more restful holiday.

1. Complete Fall Cleaning

There’s nothing like having a nice, clean home to start the holidays off fresh. Now, I say these are things you should do before December 1st, but you won’t want to put this off until the last minute. I do my fall cleaning in September, because that’s when I’m packing away summer things and pulling out my fall décor. Then, I only need to do my normal cleaning routine through the holidays.

2. Declutter the Kids’ Rooms

Since I’ve added decluttering as a part of my everyday routine, I normally don’t have any major decluttering jobs to tackle during fall or spring cleaning. However, with Christmas coming, I like to encourage the kids to go through their closets and toy bins and see if there’s anything they would like to declutter and donate. Not only does this free up some space for new items they will surely get for Christmas, but it’s a good opportunity to donate to toy drives or other Charities looking for used toys this time of year.

3. Book Your Christmas Photo Session

Whether you want to document your Christmas memories with some professional photos, or customize your Christmas cards, you need to book your family, Christmas photo session early. Slots will surely begin filling up in November and may be impossible to book after December 1st, so get this booked in advance.

4. Purchase/Order Christmas Cards and Stamps

Christmas cards are meant to be received in early to mid-December so family and friends can enjoy and display them along with their other Christmas décor. If you’re ordering customized Christmas cards, be sure to place your order early so you can send them out to friends and family timely. Don’t forget to purchase your stamps early too, so you won’t have to wait in lines at the post office during the holiday rush.

5. Make your Gift-giving List

This is another item you will want to complete well in advance, but by no later than December 1st. Make a list of all the people you plan to buy for this year, and some gift-giving ideas for each. Keep this list with you wherever you go; maybe put it in your purse or the glove box of your vehicle. This will keep you prepared whenever you are out and decide to do some shopping. It will also ensure you don’t forget anyone on your list.

6. Purchase Christmas Attire

What Christmas picture is complete without those coordinating plaid shirts or matching PJs? You’ll want to look for these items early, or you might not find what you’re looking for or the size you need. Stores order a limited supply of seasonal Christmas items and attire, so once they’re gone, they’re gone. Folks are quick to snatch these things up early, so don’t wait until the last minute.

7. Plan Your Christmas Menu

There’s nothing worse than having to run out on Christmas eve to find that beloved can of cranberry sauce, which makes your Christmas turkey complete. Usually near the end of October, grocery stores will start stocking those seasonal items for all your favorite sugary or savory holiday dishes and treats. Don’t wait until the last minute and pick up everything. If you’re like me, in additional to the normal favorite holiday dishes, you like to make Christmas cookies and candy to share with family and friends. This list of ingredients can add up quickly. Start stocking up on these little by little over several weeks before December. This will prevent you from being hit with a huge grocery bill right before Christmas, and ensure you find all seasonal ingredients you need for your holiday recipes.

8. Purchase Giftwrap

This may not seem like a big deal, but purchasing your giftwrap, giftbags, tissue, boxes and tape ahead of time will save you a huge headache. There’s usually not a shortage of gift wrap, even up to the last few days before Christmas, so that’s not the issue. The problem is waiting until Christmas eve to wrap everything. I’ve done this, I know. Over the last several years, I’ve tried to make sure I had giftwrap on hand, so that when I purchased a gift, I could immediately take it home and wrap it. This way, I don’t have to worry about hiding gifts, and I can take my time and enjoy the wrapping process.

9. Purchase Event Tickets

Whether your planning to see the Nutcracker ballet or attend a Christmas event, you won’t want to wait until the last minute to reserve your spot. Many shows and events that have limited availability will book up quickly. You’ll usually see these advertisements as early as October, so reserve early to guarantee you won’t miss out.

10. Purchase Trendy Toys

When I think of this, my mind goes back to the famous Tickle Me Elmo doll craze. Don’t wait until December to purchase toys that are trending or popular with the kids in your area. These will be the first items to disappear from the shelves, and then you’ll either be forced to pay big bucks on Amazon or find a, less cool, alternative.

I hope this list helps make your Christmas holiday a little less stressful and enjoyable. I’d love to hear what things you like to do before December to prepare for the Christmas rush. Let me know in the comments!